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    • Papier Mache Figurines

    image credits

    Introduction

    Small figurines can be made from many materials and don't require as much skill as you might think. (Click image to enlarge) I make them from papier-mache which uses common, cost-free or very cheap materials yet can be finished with elegant beauty. This series will show the steps for making a crucifix or standing nativity scene figures. The same steps can be used for any kind of figure that you can think of, simple and temporary or embellished and permanent. The wire armature described in this issue can be used for other materials, too. Experiment with cloth, polymer clay, or any other material you like.

    Getting Started

    Finishing materials will vary from project to project. For most you will need cheap white latex paint (one can of contractors' primer is plenty), Gold or similar spray paint, Clear laquer or varnish, (polyurethane), but you don't have to have these ready right away. Thin, flexible wire is the first item you'll need. All your supplies can be stored in a box between work sessions.

    You can make the wire armatures anytime and store them until you are ready to work on the papier-mache.

    Step One: The Wire Armature

    One of those packages of florists' wire that you can buy in any crafts shop will make about a hundred of these 6" to 8" armatures. The packages I buy cost less than $3 and have a small cutter included. This wire also can be snipped with regular scissors. I often make a half dozen of these just while I am sitting in my favorite chair watching television.

    These instructions are for small figurines that can fit in the palm of your hand, but you can use longer lengths of wire and twist several strands together for larger figures. You can also find thicker wire in hardware stores. Some is very easy to bend, but you might need wire snips instead of scissors for the thicker wire.

    First, cut approximately a yard or a meter's length of wire from the package by pulling it to one arm's length and cutting it.

    Second, fold it in half, loosely, and twist it twice with a finger-sized loop for the "head". You should have a wire with a loop at the half-way point, like this:
    image here soon
    Third, notice the two long "arms" of wire. Fold each one back on itself so that the end crosses the "neck" at about the half-way point from the fold to the end.
    image here soon
    Fourth, twist each one from the "neck" outward to form the arms, leaving a loose crossing at the neck.
    image here soon
    Fifth, loop the two loose ends over the arms to form "shoulders", then twist them together twice for the "hips", leaving the "legs" dangling.

    Last, fold the "legs" back on themselves to whatever length looks good. Usually that means the ends will touch the groin, but often you will not have measured exactly and so they will fall short. It doesn't matter if they do. Twist the legs and you have what looks like a little stick-figure drawing of a person. Put it aside and make another.

    If you are making a crucifix, cut some strips of corrugated or heavy cardboard and staple in a cross shape that is the right size for the wire armature. You will cover both with the same paper-mache mixture.

    Step Two: Preparing Paper and Paste

    Paper Once you have a few wire figures ready, you can set up the paper and paste. Newsprint paper gives a nice texture and is easy to work with, and it is what I use. Experiment with different kinds of paper to get what is best for you. In the first layer, it does not matter what the paper has printed on it, but in the last layers, if you want the paper to show, you might choose pages with colored pictures or wrapping paper for special effects, or you might choose pages with words and phrases that mean something. I use out-dated magazine articles about Christmas or related messages for some angels. If you are going to paint and varnishe the finished angels, it won't matter what is on the paper.

    The paper can be run through a shredder to give nice uniform, narrow strips. But you also can just tear it for wider pieces, and the ragged edge will absorb water and paste better than the shredded strips. Tearing paper is an activity that a young child will enjoy, and so if you have a two or three-year old around, it might be a fun activity to share. The paper, like the wire armatures, can be set aside until you are ready to work on it some more.

    Paste (to be continued...)

    The next step will be printed in the next issue of the C.A.L. Review. For an advance copy of the entire article, go to http://catholicsatlarge.com/craft.htm and print it, or send us an S.A.S.E. and we will print it for you.
    Credits: ilustrations of this article by D.S. Matteau